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                                   EXHIBIT 23
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                          Consent of Ernst & Young LLP





                                    -114-
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                                                                      Exhibit 23
                          [ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD]


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                        -------------------------------




We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
of Park National Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1996, of our report
dated January 21, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Park National Corporation included in the Company's Report to Stockholders for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.


We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-92060) dated March 5, 1995 of our report dated
January 21, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Park
National Corporation incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.


                                             /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

March 24, 1997